Rasterization Indicator

In the Properties Inspector, a small red “R” indicator appears when a group becomes rasterized. This icon is called a rasterization indicator. The rasterization indicator is not a control; it is an alert telling you that a group is rasterized.

Some operations, as well as the application of specific filters or a mask, cause a group to be rasterized. When a group is rasterized, it is converted into a bitmap image. Rasterization affects 2D and 3D groups in different ways. When a 2D group is rasterized, the blend modes on objects within the group no longer interact with objects outside the group. When a 3D group is rasterized, the group cannot intersect with objects outside the group. The rasterized 3D group is treated as a single object and uses layer order, rather than depth order when being composited in the project.

When the adjustment of a parameter triggers rasterization of a group, a rasterization indicator appears to the left of that parameter’s name in the Properties Inspector.

Additionally, a frame appears around the 2D or 3D group icon (the stack icon to the left of the group name) in the Layers list and Timeline.

For more information on rasterization, see About Rasterization.